Butterfly Love Story! Happy Valentine's Day!
Butterfly Love Story! Happy Valentine's Day!
Hello Friends!
I want to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s the day about Love!
Today, or in the past have you struggled feeling unloved, unwanted, or rejected? Do you desire to feel chosen, loved, accepted and treasured as you are? If so, I want to tell you about a special love that I have come to know and accept. A love I never deserved. I will tell you though, this love is like no other. This love is unconditional, unchangeable and immeasurable. It is patient, full of grace, forgiving, and welcoming.
Let me tell you how I came into the most amazing, wonderful and indescribable LOVE.
Growing up, I was raised in a Christian household. I attended church and Sunday school. It was wonderful as I was baptized at a young age and attended fun events and camps. Then, it was during high school and into the beginning of college that I began to slowly step away to pursue the high life. Boy did I ever! I moved to the sin city of Las Vegas. There I attended college and began living and pursuing a life of partying, money, materialism and doing my own thing. Over the next 10 years, this life continued. I had it all which included money, a house, car, boat and so much more. LIFE WAS GREAT! Well, so I thought. Then the unthinkable happened! At 30 years old, my life slowly began to crumble. I lost a job of six figure income, was broke and had to sell all my possessions including my home. Plus, lost several friends, and a recent relationship had ended. I felt so lost, hopeless, unworthy, and so unloved. With that, I was at a loss in life and was ready for a change but no clue what that was.
Then something very dramatic happened. I felt this very strong nudge and desire in my heart. I tried to push it away or distract myself by being busy but it refused to go away. That desire was to begin to talk to God, pray, and go back to church. I hadn’t attended church much besides the random Easter or Christmas service. The thought of talking to God or going back to church seemed very overwhelming and intimidating. Why would God want to talk to me? Would he reject me? In no way would He want to love or accept me. What about all those awful things I did?
Finally, I got my courage up! I pushed through my fears and thoughts and reached out to God. I began talking to him and sharing how I felt. I told him I was struggling, felt lost and alone. Then on a Sunday, I went to a local church in the area. I had no idea what church to pick, but I always saw this one on my way to the grocery store that looked super busy and full of nice people. It was not what I expected. Instead of judging people I was welcomed with love. People were friendly and warm, and it felt a little like home. Over the next several months and years my life began to change. I was re-baptized, gained new healthy loving friends, a new job and felt a sense of deep love and peace. It was a love and peace I hadn’t felt before. Soon, I pursued going back to school and finishing my degree in leadership in ministry. That led to another change which is a career serving the sick, poor and vulnerable in health car. Plus, volunteering through outdoor ministry and working with children in the foster care system.
The love I received and being welcomed home is just what the prodigal son received. Have you heard of the story? It’s the story of the younger of two sons who takes his inheritance early and goes off on his own. His life was all about parties, living the high life and money. Then the unthinkable happened. He eventually loses all his fortune. He was broke and felt lost just like I did. The son didn’t know what else to do other than go back home. When he did, the Father saw him and welcomed his son home with loving and open arms. Instead of rejecting his son, He rejoiced with happiness and threw a lavish party with all the fixings. Reference: Luke 15: 11-32. That is How Jesus Loves us!
Are you in a place just like I was or the prodigal son? Do you feel lost, unloved displaced, or even rejected? Maybe even by your by own family? Are you seeking for a change? One that is full of love, being chosen and accepted for you?
Whether it is your first time or you’re coming back to God, you and everyone are welcome into the loving arms of Jesus! He is a loving and accepting Father. Do not fear rejection just come as you are. Just like I was, you will be adopted as His child and brought into His family. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:5 NIV.
Today, it is my prayer and hopes that you will accept His love and invitation. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-21 NIV.
If today your answer is YES, you want to receive His love, then I invite you to say this prayer:
“Dear Jesus, I come to you and ask for forgiveness of my sins. Thank you for dying on the Cross for me. I believe you died as a penalty for my sins and I receive you as my Savior and Lord. I want you into my life.”
If you said this prayer, you just made the best decision ever! CONGRATULATIONS! You are now a child of God with an ever-lasting love.
What is Next? I encourage you to begin spending time with God by just talking to him and in prayer. Begin to read books in the Bible. My suggestion would to start with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as they share history, miracle stories, Jesus, Birth and death. I also encourage picking up a devotional. One I love and suggest is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.(Amazon). Reach out to a local church in your area. They will be able to assist and help you as you begin the beautiful journey of learning more about God.
I would love to hear that you made this life changing decision. If you said yes, send me a message so I can be praying for you.
Many Blessings,
Lisa Hice
